New England Board of Higher Education: Policy Issues and Initiatives for the Community College Sector

The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) promotes greater educational opportunities and services for the residents of New England through a variety of programs and state services. Much has changed since NEBHE’s founding: New technologies have transformed our workplaces, schools, and homes—and postsecondary education has become a required path to economic prosperity, social mobility, and civic engagement. Despite these dire demographic trends, each state’s projected workforce will require an equal or higher share of workers with some postsecondary education than the rest of the country by 2020 due partly to the technological nature of the region’s economy. Community colleges and their role in granting certificates and associate degrees are critical in states’ abilities to meet these future workforce projections. Now is a critical time for researchers, policymakers and practitioners to share information and insight—our communities and economies would be better for it.